Thoracic Herniated Disc

The thoracic spine is the middle portion of the vertebral column, spanning from the base of the neck to the lower back. It consists of 12 vertebrae, coded T1 to T12. Each is connected to a pair of ribs, providing stability and support for the upper body. 

Unlike the cervical and lumbar regions, the thoracic spine has limited flexibility due to its attachment to the ribcage, which protects vital organs like the heart and lungs.

Because of this structural stability, thoracic disc herniations are less common than those in the cervical or lumbar spine.

Each intervertebral disc in the thoracic spine acts as a cushion between vertebrae, absorbing shock and facilitating controlled movement. These discs consist of a tough outer layer called the annulus fibrosus and a soft core known as the nucleus pulposus. 

Over time, wear and tear can cause disc degeneration, like bulging, herniation, or extrusion.

As with a herniated disc in lower back, a thoracic herniated disc occurs when the inner nucleus pulposus pushes through a rupture in the protective outer annulus fibrosus, causing inflammation and potential nerve compression. These herniations are classified based on their severity and location:

• Contained Herniation: The disc material remains within the annulus but protrudes outward.
• Sequestered Herniation: A fragment of the nucleus pulposus exits the annular tear.

Inflammation of the annulus fibrosus occurs when a disc injury, such as a herniation, disrupts the outer layer of the disc. This inflammatory response leads to deep, aching pain in the mid-back, which may worsen with movement or prolonged sitting. 

The inflammatory process will persist for a lifetime without proper treatment.

Thoracic radiculopathy occurs when a herniated disc compresses a nerve root, leading to pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness along the affected nerve pathway. 

Unlike cervical or lumbar radiculopathy, which impacts the arms or legs, thoracic radiculopathy often causes pain that radiates around the ribcage, mimicking conditions like intercostal neuralgia. 

Accurate diagnosis through MRI imaging and a physical exam is essential to distinguish radiculopathy from other potential causes of thoracic pain​.

Our research indicates that thoracic myelopathy is a serious condition that arises when a herniated disc compresses the spinal cord. Unlike radiculopathy, which affects specific nerve roots, myelopathy disrupts overall spinal cord function, leading to widespread neurological impairment.

Symptoms include difficulty walking, impaired coordination, and even bladder or bowel dysfunction in severe cases.

Our findings show that discectomy procedures require a large incision and cause muscle disruption, with the added hindrance of a prolonged recovery period. While effective, these surgeries come with risks like infection, nerve damage, and spinal instability​. 

Spinal fusion eliminates natural spinal movement and increases stress on surrounding discs, potentially leading to adjacent segment disease​.

Deuk Laser Disc Repair is the most advanced and least invasive treatment for thoracic disc herniations. This FDA-compliant, peer-reviewed procedure uses an endoscopic laser to precisely remove the herniated disc fragments. 

This novel procedure eliminates pain at its source without cutting muscles, removing bone, or causing spinal instability​. This state-of-the-art treatment is also used to treat problems in other areas, like a herniated neck disc.

• 95% success rate in pain elimination
• No hospitalization
• No spinal fusion or hardware
• Zero complications to date